tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375180642011-06-07T23:17:24.481-07:00USPS Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07846027071070746472noreply@blogger.comBlogger11100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37518064.post-1163298821520637422006-11-11T18:33:00.000-08:002006-11-28T16:27:21.106-08:00The following appeared in the National Law Officer's Report to the August 2006 Governing Board in New York City, submitted by R/C James D. Richlak, SN.<br /><br />Copyright is a form of property created by Federal law. It has all the characteristics of property: it can be bought, sold or given away, and includes the right to prevent "trespass" (infringement) by an unauthorized user. Copyright protects a creative expression, not an idea. Quality isn't important. The simplets "Roses are red, Violets are blue" poem can contain an original creative expression which the law will protect.<br /><br />Our squadron and district editors make decisions every day concerning copyrights. This may sound odd at first. We usually think of our newsletters as a means of informing members about recent activities and planned events at the squadron, district, and national level. Copyright and other property rights are just for professional editors, right? WRONG!<br /><br />When you are planning to copy the work of another person stop and ask, "Do I have this person's permission?" When in doubt, ask for permission! That way, we build cooperation withy others and present a courteous, professional attitude to others, expecially non-members.<br /><br />Here are some simple quidelines:<br /><br />1. If someone sends you a letter or article, the circumstances give you permission to edit the material and publish it.<br /><br />2. USPS allows squadron publications to quote from National sources IF the source is acknowledged and a copyright notice "(c) (year of publication) United States Power Squadrons" is used.<br /><br />3. Articles from other squadron newsletters: In May 1997, the Governing Board gave squadrons and districts the responsibility for controlling the copyrights on their publications. Neighboring squadrons often exchange newsletters with the understanding that news items and announcements are being shared for the benefit of all. The author of a special article may not be expecting to see it republished, so a phone call is appropriate.<br /><br />4. US Government publications: Material from Government agencies such as NOAA and the Coast Guard may be copied freely. The US Coast Guard Auxiliary is NOT a Government agency; do not use their materials without permissions.<br /><br />5. Other published sources: If a professional wrote the article, you're affecting the author's livelihood. Always have written permission to use professionally published artices, cartoons, etc.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/37518064-116329882152063742?l=usps-potpouri.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>USPS Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07846027071070746472noreply@blogger.com0